The Southeast Valley Roller Rink & Recreation Center began as a community-driven effort to address a critical gap in recreational infrastructure in Sun Valley, Los Angeles.
Funded by Proposition K, the project presented a unique opportunity to transform a 1.2-acre site into a vibrant, multi-functional destination in a neighborhood where nearly 90% of residents lack access to walkable park space. From the outset, the goal was not simply to deliver a recreational facility, but to create a social hub that reflects the identity and needs of the surrounding community.
As the project evolved, its scope expanded beyond a traditional skate facility. The vision grew to encompass a broader range of uses—supporting not only skating but also community programming, intergenerational activities, and informal gatherings. The design ultimately reflects a balance between performance-driven recreation and flexible civic space, positioning the project as both an active recreational venue and a neighborhood anchor.
Voices in Motion: Designing Through Community Rhythm
A robust research and engagement process played a central role in shaping the project. Collaboration with the client and ongoing input from Local Volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Committees ensured that community voices directly informed design decisions. Early feedback emphasized the importance of connecting the new development with the existing Sheldon Skate Park, improving parking access, and strengthening ties to nearby Sheldon Basin public spaces.
User needs and site conditions were carefully studied to guide the layout and program. Community members expressed a desire for expanded recreational offerings, including spaces for rhythm skating, youth roller hockey, futsal, roller derby, and senior programming. These insights led to a more inclusive and flexible design approach that accommodates a wide range of users and activities. The process reinforced the importance of accessibility, visibility, and safety, shaping a design that feels open, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
Project Outcomes and Community Impact
Where Wheels Are Welcome: A Living Landscape for Play and Belonging
This site design distinguishes itself from conventional skate parks by combining a variety of wheeled recreation experiences with community-oriented amenities. Anchored by an 8,100-square-foot roller rink, a 1,300-square-foot Recreation Center, and a dynamic pump track loop, the project creates a layered environment that supports both active use and social interaction. A warm color palette, abstracted from local mountain ranges and sunset hues, is applied to the rink to create a welcoming environment.
Inspired by the curvilinear movements of skating and the scenic peaks and valleys of the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains visible from the site, the project creates a vibrant community hub with the Recreation Center strategically positioned at the center, linking the existing Sheldon Skate Park to the new roller rink through an extended shade canopy. The rolling design of the canopy creates an iconic architectural gateway that welcomes guests into the park, while also providing essential shaded outdoor space with a colorful array of chaparral inspired shade louvers.
The Recreation Center is conceived of as an open and transparent hub in the heart of the park that fosters a safe, connected and welcoming environment for the community. Flexibility is at the core of the structure’s design with a large programmable multi-purpose room that links directly to an outdoor plaza for hosting a variety of community activities such as workshops, markets, and performances.
Close to 50% of the site will be covered with plant beds filled with native and climate-adapted species. Representing chaparral, desert wash, and riparian communities, this palette is directly informed by the site’s location in the San Fernando Valley near the Tujunga Wash. The existing compacted soil will be amended to support approximately 38 new trees, including oaks and willows, providing much needed shade and habitat benefits that link Sun Valley’s recreational open spaces. Across the site, drought-tolerant native shrubs and groundcovers will create a welcoming green carpet, offering both a thriving habitat and an engaging learning experience for visitors of all ages all year around.
Environmental comfort and usability are also central to the design. Shaded areas, integrated lighting strategies, and clear sightlines enhance safety and extend usability into evening hours. While compact in size, the project maximizes its impact through efficient planning and multi-functional spaces, delivering a high-value public amenity within a limited footprint.
The Southeast Valley Roller Rink & Recreation Center aims to redefine what a neighborhood skate facility can be, evolving into a dynamic cultural hub that promotes recreation, connection, and community pride.
Southeast Valley Roller Rink & Recreation Center
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Client: City of Los Angeles
Collaborators:
Architect: RIOS
Landscape Architect: RIOS
Engineers:
Lam + Tea Engineering (MEP Engineering)
Nous Engineering Inc (Structural)
VCA Engineers (Civil)
Irrigation: Sweeney & Associates
Lighting: Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design
Skatepark Designer: Spohn Ranch Inc.